Sightseeing

There are lovely tranquil walks and treks through the woods to Dharamkot, Triund, Guna Devi, Naddi, The Church of St. John, Bhagsunag and Kareri and on to the mountains. It is also possible to arrange camping and overnight treks to the higher ranges with guides from the Mountaineering Institute. Pony rides are also available.

The Palace of His Holiness The Dalai Lama and the "Tsuglag Khang" (the Main Temple) with huge idols of the Padmasambhava and Avaloketshwara deities are at a distance of one and a half kilometers from Glenmoor Cottages (Aum Cottages).

It is possible to have a glimpse at the Tibetan culture by visiting the quaint market, the handicrafts center at the Norbulingka Institue near Sidhbari, the Tibetan library archives and the monasteries around Dharamshala.

Located close to Forsytheganj is the Church of St. John In The Wilderness with Belgian stained glass windows. It is one of the oldest structures in town built in 1852. There is an impressive memorial of the Viceroy of India, Lord Elgin.

The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts stages exquisite song and dance performances. During the second week of December every year the Himalayan Festival is organised by the Indo - Tibetan Friendship Association to commemorate the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to H. H. The Dalai Lama. Troupes and artists from all over India perform.

There are ancient and historic temples such as Bhagsu Nag, Aganjhar Mahadev, Jain Temple, Brijeshwari Devi, Chamunda Devi, Jwala Mukhi, Chintpurni, Baijnath and the rock cut temple of Masroor. There are the ruins of the historic Kangra Fort. Chinmaya Tapovan Ashram is located in nearby Sidhbari. One could enjoy panoramic drives through Khanyara, Bandla tea gardens and the artists' village of Andretta.

A new cricket field and stadium have come up in one of the most picturesque surroundings in Dharamshala. Several first class cricket matches and Indian Premier League matches have already been played here. It is now being readied for One Day International and Test matches. Aerosports at Billing, Baijnath is the venue for International Paragliding competitions. Watersports are organised at the Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake.

The silence of the woods and the singing of the birds enthral. The large variety of birds and some of the rarer species are a bird watcher's delight. The Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake is home to an increasing variety of migratory birds from various parts of the world. Astronomers can enjoy star gazing on clear nights.